What could you do to show respect for Jesus this week as the Church remembers his Death and Resurrection?
Mary Sellars MalloyEven though most of us will be unable to celebrate with our parish communities, one of the best ways we can show respect for Jesus this Holy Week is to set aside time to celebrate the great three days of the Triduum in prayer and reflection. The following are some simple suggestions.
Holy Thursday: Take time to recall the most special meals you have shared with family and friends. Who was at the table? What foods were served? Imagine yourself processing to the Table of the Lord tonight, and pray for your parish community and the Church throughout the world.
Good Friday: The fourth-century pilgrim Egeria recorded that on Good Friday the faithful gathered to hear each account of the Passion proclaimed between the hours of noon and 3 PM. Today, take time to prayerfully read Matthew 27:27-43, Mark 15:16-32, Luke 23:26-43, and John 19:16-27. Which account most deeply speaks to you and why? Take a personal cross or crucifix in your hands, and think about the enormity of the sacrifice that Christ made for you through his suffering and Death on the Cross. Pray for those suffering the emotional, physical, and financial effects of the coronavirus pandemic, and for all who are suffering in any way.
Holy Saturday: Recall experiences of being welcomed—into a family, into a neighborhood, into a new workplace, into your parish. Who welcomed you and how did they do so? What did their welcome mean to you? This is the night on which the Church throughout the world normally welcomes the elect and candidates for Full Communion through the celebration of the Sacraments of Initiation. Pray for the elect and candidates in your parish, and for the day when all can again gather together to celebrate welcoming them into the Church!
Easter Sunday: Even if you are unable to celebrate Easter with your parish family, wear your finest Easter outfit today and prepare a celebration meal! Begin an Easter season journal listing blessings, sights, sounds, and moments that inspire you to sing Alleluia today and throughout the Easter season!
Mary Sellars Malloy has over forty years’ experience as a Catholic educator and lay minister. She is a frequent workshop presenter on the topics of prayer, liturgy, spirituality, the Sacraments, and the RCIA. In addition, Mary leads retreats and parish missions throughout the country. Her goal is to encourage Catholics of all ages to appreciate and to live their Catholic faith.